We’ve booked hundreds (thousands?) of flights around the world.
Some were amazing deals. Others? Not so much.
It took us years of trial and error to figure out the smartest ways to find cheap flights and avoid common booking mistakes that cost money, time, and flexibility.
Most people still use the same outdated methods. Like searching just one airport or assuming round-trip is always cheapest. But with a few small tweaks, you can save hundreds on your next flight.
Here are 5 smarter ways to book that we use every time we fly.
1. Don’t Search Just One Airport
A lot of people open Google Flights or a travel app and type in a specific airport like JFK or LAX.
Big mistake.
Why?
Because limiting your search to one airport shrinks your options and usually increases the price.
Do This Instead:
- Type in the city name, not the airport code (e.g., search for NYC instead of JFK)
- Use Google Flights to add nearby airports (like BOS or PHL when searching from New York)
- You’ll instantly see more flight options and often much better prices
Pro Tip: Even flying out of a smaller airport an hour away can save you hundreds. And sometimes even time.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on How To Use Google Flights to Find Cheap Business Class Flights (And Cheap Economy Flights Too!).
2. Check Prices Before Picking Dates
This is a big one.
So many people choose their travel dates first. Maybe based on time off or hotel deals. And then try to find cheap flights to match. But that’s doing it backwards.
Do This Instead:
- Use the Google Flights calendar view
- Look at prices over a range of dates
- Find the cheapest travel window, then plan the rest of your trip around that
Just being flexible by a day or two can mean huge savings. Especially on international routes.
3. Avoid Third-Party Booking Sites
Yes, sites like Expedia, Orbitz, or Kayak look convenient. But here’s the problem:
If something goes wrong: delays, cancellations, or rebooking then the airline will usually tell you to contact your travel agent. That means waiting on hold with a third-party service that may or may not help you.
Do This Instead:
- Use Google Flights to search and compare options
- Then go directly to the airline’s website to book
- You’ll have more control, easier check-ins, and better access to customer service if anything changes
Trust us, it’s worth that extra 60 seconds.
4. Don’t Assume Round-Trip is Always Cheaper
This used to be the golden rule of travel booking: round-trip equals cheaper. But not anymore.
Especially if you’re planning to fly into one city and out of another. Or you’re piecing together a more flexible itinerary, round-trip might actually cost more.
Do This Instead:
- Search one-way flights separately
- Try open-jaw itineraries (e.g., fly into Paris, fly out of Rome)
- Mix and match airlines or booking sites for better deals
Sometimes two one-way tickets, even with different airlines, can save you money and give you better flight times.
5. Turn On Price Tracking Before You Book
Ever booked a flight… only to check the same route a few days later and see it $80 cheaper?
Been there.
Do This Instead:
- Use Google Flights’ price tracking feature
- Turn it on for your desired route and dates
- You’ll get an email alert if the price drops so you can grab the deal at the right time
This one feature alone has saved us hundreds of dollars over the years.
Bonus Tip: Use Daily Drop Pro, a Totally Hands-off Cheap Flight/Award Ticket Flight Finders
Unfortunately, most airlines restrict the availability of business class seats for purchase using points and miles.
But there are two services that will bring opportunities to use points and miles directly to your inbox.
Thrifty Traveler and Daily Drop (we use both!) to track prices and award availability. They do a lot of the work for us when it comes to finding flight deals. They send deal alerts, track cash fares and points deals, flag award availability, and show opportunities we probably never would have found just by searching on our own. That helps us stay flexible, move fast when a great fare pops up, and book both cheap and free award business class flights.
They are terrific services that allows us to fly business class for free!le.
Final Thought: You Don’t Need Tricks, Just Better Habits
Learning how to find cheap flights isn’t about being a travel hacker.
It’s about making smarter decisions when you search and book.
These five steps are simple but powerful. And once you start using them, you’ll never go back to the old way of booking.
Search smart. Stay flexible. Book direct. Track prices.
And stop giving airlines more money than you have to.
Want more travel tips that actually save you money (and sanity)?
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